Garmin receives EASA approval for GTN touchscreen avionics

OLATHE, USA: Garmin International Inc., a unit of Garmin Ltd, the global leader in satellite navigation, has received the European Aviation Safety Agency’s (EASA) validation of the US Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the GTN 650 and GTN 750 series touchscreen avionics. With this validation, these avionics are certified and approved for installation in hundreds of makes and models of European-registered general aviation aircraft.

“The GTN has been very well received since its introduction earlier this year, with thousands of units already installed,” said Carl Wolf, Garmin’s VP of aviation sales and marketing. “Now, through the validation of the FAA STC, EASA has made it possible, and more affordable, for European aircraft owners to immediately benefit from the latest technology, simplified interface and enhanced safety features that come with installing the GTN series.”

The GTN 650 and GTN 750 series are the successors to the popular GNS 430W and 530W series GPS/NAV/COM avionics. They combine the latest in multi-function display (MFD) features with touchscreen data entry and integrated radio tuning, as well as optional remote transponder control. The GTN 750 series can also optionally support remote audio processor control. Other new capabilities include graphical flight planning with victor airways and high-altitude jet routes and the ability to display European electronic terminal procedure charts with optional Garmin ChartView (750 series only).

The units are offered in two sizes and a variety of configurations. The GTN 650 series products are contained in a 2.64-inch tall package that replicates the in-stack form factor of the GNS 430W design, while providing a display that is over 50 percent larger. The GTN 750 series is six inches tall with a display that is nearly 100 percent larger than that of the GNS 530W.

All products in the GTN series are SBAS-enabled (WAAS and EGNOS) allowing pilots to fly GPS-guided LPV glidepath approaches down to ILS-comparable minimums. In addition, precise course deviation and roll steering outputs can be coupled to select autopilots so that IFR flight procedures may be flown automatically.

The GTN series meets current European regulatory requirements including 8.33 kHz VHF Communication, immunity from FM radio broadcasts, B-RNAV, P-RNAV and optional Class B TAWS. The standard GTN 650 and GTN 750 feature a 10-watt COM, and a field upgradeable 16-watt version is also available. The GTN 725 is similar to the GTN 750, but is a GPS only unit. The GTN 625 is also a GPS only unit, and the GTN 635 is a GPS unit with VHF Communications radio.

Because the GTN offers a wide array of compatibility with select Garmin avionics and sensors, Garmin has made it possible to have a consistent and intuitive interface to other systems – like audio and transponder – by creating simplified systems management functionality on the GTN display.

Saving valuable panel space, Garmin’s new GMA 35 remote mount audio processor (optional) interfaces with the GTN 750 and makes it possible for the GTN to be used as a touchscreen control head for the aircraft’s audio and intercom functions. Garmin’s GTX 33/33D remote transponders (optional) also interface with the GTN 650 or 750 so that pilots can control the transponder function from the GTN’s display. Optional versions of the GTX 33/33D mode S transponders are available which support ADS-B/Out.

The GTN 650 is available now at a suggested retail price of $11,495 and the GTN 750 is available now at a suggested retail price of $16,995.